Experiencing pain in your neck when you take a deep breath can be alarming. Breathing is an automatic action that most of us take for granted—so when it becomes uncomfortable or even painful, it’s natural to feel concerned.
While we understand that breathing discomfort can disrupt any activity and be worrying, the good news is that most causes of muscle or joint pain are treatable, and addressing the underlying issue can bring much-needed relief.
What causes pain in neck when breathing?
There are several reasons why the act of breathing deeply might cause neck pain, even for individuals without a history of respiratory issues like asthma or COPD. Understanding what’s triggering this pain is the first step toward effective treatment.
As you think about the experience of the pain, one or more of the following could be at play:
1. Pinched nerves
Pain caused by a pinched nerve can often radiate to the neck and shoulders. If a nerve in your cervical spine (neck vertebrae) becomes compressed, it may lead to discomfort that’s triggered or worsened when you breathe deeply.
2. Soft tissue strain
You can often strain some of the soft tissues of the neck—such as muscles, tendons, or ligaments—without realizing it. Poor sleeping positions, repetitive strain, or sudden movements are common causes of soft tissue strains. This type of strain may surface as soreness or sharp pain during deep inhalations.
3. Traumatic injury
Neck pain linked to breathing can sometimes be traced back to a traumatic injury such as whiplash from a car accident or a sports-related injury that hasn’t healed properly. Damage to the muscles or ligaments in the neck can manifest as pain during certain movements, including deep breaths.
4. Poor posture
Sitting hunched over your computer screen or phone may be harmless for a few minutes, but over time, poor posture can strain the neck, upper back, or even chest muscles. This strain can contribute to discomfort that feels amplified when you draw in a breath.
5. Herniated disc
A herniated disc in your cervical spine can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain that radiates to your neck, shoulders, and possibly your chest. Breathing deeply may exacerbate this pain if it increases tension in the affected area.
6. Shallow beathing
Shallow breathing habits can lead to overuse and tightness in the small neck muscles that assist with respiration. This tension may result in pain during deeper breaths, especially if your breathing patterns are irregular. Elevated stress levels have been correlated with both breathing disorders and neck pain.
7. Thoracic outlet syndrome
This is a condition that occurs when the blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and first rib become compressed. Thoracic outlet syndrome can cause pain that radiates through the neck and shoulders and may feel aggravated during deep inhalations.
Locate the pain, but stay mindful
Pinpointing the source of your neck pain is key to being able to communicate with medical professionals and find a targeted treatment that really works. However, keep in mind that pain can sometimes “refer” from one area of the body to another, which can make self-diagnosis difficult.
If you experience chest tightness, difficulty breathing, or severe neck pain, seek medical attention immediately. If the pain is mild but persistent, a good course of action to start getting relief is to consult a medical or physical therapy professional.
Therapeutic treatments for neck pain when breathing
The good news is that many cases of neck pain triggered by breathing can be treated naturally, especially if they stem from musculoskeletal issues. At Border Therapy Services, we aim to address both the immediate symptoms and the root cause of discomfort through one-on-one diagnosis evaluations and treatments.
1. Dry needling
Dry needling targets trigger points in the muscles that may be causing pain, relieving tension and promoting better mobility. This technique helps reduce pain and improve range of motion, making breathing feel more comfortable.
2. Electrical stimulation
This therapy uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate muscles and nerves, reducing inflammation and promoting pain relief in areas like the neck and upper back.
3. Spine stabilization
Strengthening the muscles that support your spine can alleviate strain on your neck, reducing pain during activities such as deep breathing or physical exercise.
4. Deep breathing exercises
Although it might seem silly, sometimes we pick up breathing habits throughout our life that make it difficult to take a deep breath without pain. Relearning how to breathe deeply and efficiently can address shallow breathing patterns that overwork or are the result of tight neck muscles. Our therapists can guide you toward safe and effective exercises to restore optimal breathing mechanics.
Physical therapy treatments like these often produce satisfying results without the need for medication, helping you avoid the side effects of drugs.
Effective breathing and neck pain treatments in El Paso
Persistent, sharp, or even dull pain in the neck when breathing deeply doesn’t have to interrupt your life. Whether it’s cropping up when you work out or making day-to-day tasks uncomfortable, the right treatment for your specific symptoms may be just a phone call away.
You can start a conversation with our team by requesting your appointment online or calling one of our El Paso clinics to speak with a professional today.
